Swine Flu

The United States government declared a public health emergency Sunday as the number of identified cases of swine flu in the nation rose to 20.

From Reuters:

"WASHINGTON, April 25 - A new and unusual strain of swine flu is likely widespread and impossible to contain at this point, experts agree.

The H1N1 strain has killed at least 20 people and possibly 48 more in Mexico and has been confirmed in at least eight people in the United States, all of whom had mild illness.
Probable cases also were found at a school in the New York City borough of Queens and experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say they fully expect to find more cases."



This strain of influenza spreads easily from person to person, has been diagnosed in several places and some victims have had no known contact with carriers. Not pretty.

Military - VA Medical Records Plan

President Obama wants to create a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record that would streamline the transfer of active-duty military and veterans' health records between the two departments.

Given the targeted patient demographic this might be an interesting test of electronic medical records capability.

OSHA Workplace Violence Procedures

The tragic shooting spree at a Carthage North Carolina nursing home is a reminder of the OSHA requirement for a workplace violence program, applicable for not only nursing homes but other health care providers as well.

No program can stop a crazy killer or an armed robber, but training employees to react properly can hasten the arrival of police and the protection of residents.

This should also be a reminder that facilities open 24/7 have special issues with security and safety.

OSHA fact sheet:

http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/factsheet-workplace-violence.pdf